The clinical interview

The clinical interview, a fundamental tool in the field of psychology, is an interactive process that allows mental health professionals to understand the complexities of the human mind. This technique, which goes beyond a simple questionnaire, stands as both an art and a science in exploring the subjective experience, symptoms, and life stories of individuals.

In this session, we will delve deeply into the clinical interview, breaking down its essential elements, its importance in diagnosis and treatment, as well as the inherent challenges of this delicate process.

Introduction to the Clinical Interview

The clinical interview is a structured dialogue between the therapist and the client, where words become bridges to psychological understanding.

This encounter, often compared to a dance, requires empathy, active listening, and communication skills to decipher the emotional and cognitive nuances underlying the shared narratives.

The clinical interview process is typically divided into phases. The first phase focuses on establishing a solid therapeutic connection. Empathy and unconditional acceptance are key in this stage, laying the foundation for the client to feel safe to share their most intimate thoughts and feelings.

As the interview progresses, there is a deeper exploration of the presented issues, delving into past experiences, thought patterns, and coping strategies.

Interview Tools

The tools used in the clinical interview are varied and adaptive. Open-ended questions invite free expression, allowing a more complete understanding of the client's emotional landscape.

Closed questions, on the other hand, are used to garner specific information. Reflection, where the therapist paraphrases or repeats what the client has said, validates the shared experiences. Clarification clarifies ambiguities and ensures mutual understanding.

The clinical interview plays a central role in diagnostic assessment. Through carefully chosen questions, the therapist can explore the presence of symptoms, their duration, and their impact on the individual's daily life.

In addition, it seeks to understand the social, cultural, and familial context that may contribute to the clinical picture. However, diagnostic evaluation is a delicate process that requires consideration of multiple sources of information, as the client's authenticity and honesty are essential for accurate understanding.

Challenges in the Clinical Interview

Despite its importance, the clinical interview is not exempt from challenges. Client resistance can manifest, hampering the complete revelation of their experience. Ambiguities in symptom presentation can also complicate the therapist's task. The skill to handle these challenges requires flexibility and sensitivity on the part of the professional.

Modes of Interview

With the advancement of technology, modes of clinical interview have evolved. The face-to-face interview remains the traditional